Senate Democrats Block Pro-Israel, Anti-BDS Bill

(JNS) The Senate failed to reach the necessary 60 votes this week to end debate on Republican-introduced legislation that, if enacted, would impose fresh sanctions on Syria, as well as boost security cooperation with Israel and Jordan amid the announced gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. It is also aimed at tackling the anti-Israel BDS movement.

The final tally was 56-44, with at least three Democrats voting for cloture: Arizona’s Krysten Sinema, Alabama’s Doug Jones and West Virginia’s Joe Manchin.

Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) expressed opposition to the bill due to the partial government shutdown that has lasted 17 days as U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to sign a spending bill that does not include funding for a border wall with Mexico.